The Wire with Alex

The OECD released a report yesterday which looked at the environmental performance of New Zealand. The report provides independent assessments of countries' progress in achieving environmental policy goals, as well as making policy recommendations.  The report warns that New Zealand’s high environmental quality of life is under threat from a lack of long-term planning.The country's growth is starting to show environmental limits, including increased greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater contamination and threats to biodiversity. 95bFM reporter Hannah Ross speaks to Otago University freshwater scientist Marc Schallenberg and Forest and Bird Chief Executive Kevin Hague about the findings of the report.

After a very successful launch in 2015, the Bachelor NZ is back to grace our screens every Sunday and Monday night, and the third season has promised audiences more romantic twists and turns than ever before. In a short space of time, it’s become a reality television staple for most Kiwis; a national institution if you will. Whether you love it, or you hate it, or you love to hate it, the truth is that we just can’t get enough of it. Earlier this week, Jogai spoke to research manager at the institute of culture, discourse, and communication at AUT Dr Philippa Smith, to develop a more critical insight into reality tv, and what exactly makes the Bachelor tick. We started out by asking why the more romantic sub-genres of reality tv tend to resonate with audiences so heavily. 

A secret Ruatoria hemp trial planted in December is ready for harvest, and this Friday the community can come smell, touch and smoke the plant, to learn what all the hype is about. In December 2016, Hikurangi Enterprises secured a licence from the Ministry of Health to establish a small trial crop of industrial hemp in Ruatoria for this growing season. The possibilities for industrial hemp include foodstuffs, health products, textiles and as a housing solution. Producer Jess Smith spoke to Manu Caddie from Hikurangi Enterprises this morning, to learn more about the trial, and began by asking about the uses of hemp.

The Government has decided to allow oil drilling in 35.5 percent of the North Island’s Maui dolphin sanctuary, as well as along the shores of picturesque Lake Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. The Green Party announced on Wednesday that this will create major risks for New Zealand’s clean, green tourism brand, as well as putting the already endangered Maui Dolphins at risk. Earlier this week, Producer Jess Smith spoke to Green Party spokesperson Gareth Hughes to find out more about the issue, and began by asking about the government’s announcement yesterday.